"Don't Turn on the Furnace... Open a Window" by Neal Pollard

September 15, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

"Don't Turn on the Furnace... Open a Window" (2 Tim. 2:24-26) Neal Pollard

 

Turning on the furnace - more heat, but opening a window - more light.

 

Hot Button Issues:

- Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage

- The necessity of baptism

- Role of women in the church

- Abortion

- Homosexuality

- Transgenderism

In 2 Timothy 2:24-36, the "servant of the Lord" is one who is sharing the gospel.

The Servant of the Lord:

1.  Must have the right mindset.  Be positive in your approach to others.

     A. Don't be quarrelsome, intensive, or bitter.  Some things in life are left to our judgment/conscience.  For example:  Proverbs 22:6 states to "bring up a child in the way that they should go" but doesn't tell specifically how to do this.  Another example is 1 Timothy 2:9-10 on modest; also not specific and left to judgment.  And politics.

     B. Be kind to all.  God loves all people.  Acts 10:34-35, James 2:1-5.  Look at everyone the same.  We are all image-bearers of God.

2.  Must have the right message (24).  Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 6:23.

     A. Be able to teach the right message.  Our message must be the truth.

     B. Our message must help people come to their senses.  Urge a message of repentance.  2 Timothy 2:24-36 and Ephesians 4:17. Speak God's message in love.

     C. The message should lead one to know the truth.

3.  Must have the right method.

     A. It requires patience (24).  Matthew 5:39.

     B. It requires gentle correction (25)

          1.  Watch your tone!

          2.  Excess (not always preaching/teaching the same topic, but round out to other topics).

          3.  Assumption.  Don't assume what someone else things/knows.

          4.  Choice.  Keep the important things first.

          5.  Heart.  Watch your own heart.  For example, the Pharisees did not watch their own heart in the pursuit of righteousness.  Galatians 6:1.  Be gentle.

4.  Must have the right motives.  Our motive is to help people go to heaven.  Philippians 1:15-17and 4:2.

 

Duration 33:59